What Is: Ceramic Tile Installation?
Ceramic tile installation (also known as laying tile) projects can be completed in as little as a day or two (for surfaces such as countertops, backsplashes and non-bathroom wall tiling) or may take three or more days (showers, steamrooms, floor tiling) depending upon the size of the job and any detail work included. The most important step in any tiling job is the proper preparation of the surface to be tiled (known as the substrate). The tools needed to complete a tiling job include a tape measure, square, caulk line, hammer, level, saber saw or wet tile saw, tile nippers, grooved trowel, safety goggles, rubber or latex gloves and power cords. Necessary materials, in addition to the ceramic tiles, include a backer board, glue, nails or screws, thinset mortar, spacers and grout. After the substrate is prepared, the tiles are set (the most time-consuming part of the job) and, finally, grouted. It is extremely important to let the installed tiles "set up" before grouting, and also to let the grout dry completely before using water to clean up the area.
